2.01.2005 ET

(CSRwire) TORONTO - Thanks to the tireless efforts and generosity of thousands of employees and retirees, Imperial Oil has contributed more than $2.65 million to the 2004 United Way/Centraide campaigns across Canada. The total contribution increased by over $150,000 from $2.5 million in 2003. "Whether it was volunteering at dozens of Days of Caring projects across Canada, washing car windows, participating in city-wide canoe races or taking part in chilli challenges, our employees and retirees have demonstrated outstanding support and spirit for the United Way," said Tim Hearn, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Imperial Oil. "Their efforts are making a very tangible difference in all our communities."

Imperial's 2004 campaign involved numerous innovative employee campaign activities from coast to coast and, for the first year, extended to over 200 Esso-branded retail gasoline sites in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). On October 23, 2004, Imperial committed one cent of every litre sold to support United Way programs in Toronto. The program was a success as hundreds of employees came out for the day and volunteered.

The retail event was awarded the Public Awareness Spirit Award by the United Way of Greater Toronto, which was one of four Spirit Award nominations Imperial Oil received in 2004. The award recognizes an organization's efforts to educate the broader community about the United Way. Gordon Shand, Campaign Manager with the United Way of Greater Toronto, was on hand to congratulate Imperial. "Once again, Imperial Oil and its employees have risen to the occasion with another stellar United Way campaign," said Shand. "Your ongoing efforts make you leaders in the community year after year and on behalf of United Way, I thank you."

United Way/Centraide is a non-profit organization located in 125 communities across the country. Each United Way works locally to find solutions to community problems by mobilizing volunteers, identifying community needs and raising and distributing funds. United Way agencies provide a range of services to give young children a healthy start in life, provide opportunities for youth, support abused women and their children, provide support to disabled and homeless people, and assist newcomers to Canada.

Imperial Oil has been a proud part of Canada for 125 years, contributing to communities from coast to coast since its inception in 1880. That tradition of giving continues today and in 2004, Imperial contributed over $10 million to more than 500 organizations across Canada with an emphasis on youth, education and important community services.

For further information: Public Affairs, (416) 968-4875